Archdiocese of St. Louis Responds to Call for Removal of Statue of St. Louis IX

Across the country, there have been calls for the removal of statues of historical figures in the wake of social justice protests. Such calls have been directed at a statue of St. Louis IX, the King, in the city of St. Louis. The Archdiocese has responded with a statement that addresses the history of the saint and the statue.

"For Catholics, St. Louis is an example of an imperfect man who strived to live a life modeled after the life of Jesus Christ," the statement reads. "For St. Louisans, he is a model for how we should care for our fellow citizen, and a namesake with whom we should be proud to identify. The sword on his statue is not raised for warfare, but rather is held with the blade down--a symbol of peace."

To read the full statement, click here.